Rain and large crowds at the SXSW Music Festival did not stop artists, media, industry tastemakers and fans from making their way to the launch of Hard Knock Hoops 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on March 15, 2014 in Austin, Texas. The offspring of what was previously known as Hoop x Hang, Hard Knock Hoops serves as the event people look forward to as it culminates a busy week of showcases, networking and panels. Hard Knock Hoops 2014 did not disappoint with close games among artists like Dizzy Wright, Drumma Boy, Chase & Cashe, Dorrough, Thurz, Mibbs (Pac Div), Dee-1, Dow Jones (ThaBizness), Bizzy Crook, newcomer Deniro Farrar, and last year’s champion Trinidad James. There were plenty of highlights that were topics of conversations during the last night of SXSW festivities.

The Hard Knock Hoops 2014 tournament saw Trinidad James’ Gold Gang squad take a loss in their first game, to the chagrin of his entourage looking to see the “All Gold Everything” baller defend his title. That didn’t stop the polarizing rapper and his squad from going hard through the consolation bracket, winning several more games before eventually being eliminated. The last game was an intense match-up between a team lead by L.A. based artist Thurz and Dallas native Dorrough’s Hella Yella squad. The championship game proved to be a memorable one with Thurz playing with an injured shoulder and Dorrough’s Hella Yella team finishing off the tournament with a victory. After competing for three years in this event, this was Dorrough’s first time taking the championship title.

Shout outs go to all that competed and brought the level of competition up another notch. For all of the stats, check out the GUS Leagues website and feel free to brag to all your friends! Also, catch up on our social media coverage by searching #hardknockhoops!